This tree species has a wide distribution in Africa where it is highly valued for its edible fruits and a range of other products. Marula oil extracted from the fruit and seeds is traded internationally for use in cosmetics. The species has a large population and is not currently experiencing any major threats causing significant decline. This species is therefore assessed as Least Concern.

This tree species is widespread in Africa. It is found up to 1,800 m asl (Luke and Beentje 2020).

This species is locally common.

This fast-growing deciduous large tree occurs in savanna and dry woodland habitats. It is generally dioecious. It is common to find the species regenerating on farmlands under mature female trees soon after rains (Hall et al. 2002).

Expanding rural settlements are a threat to this species. Additionally, subpopulations on grazing land can be overexploited for browsing and fuelwood (Hall et al. 2002).

This species has edible fruits and multiple other uses associated with almost all parts of the tree. It is highly valued in Africa and various products, such as oil from the seeds are used in cosmetics, and have become commercially important internationally. Its wood is used to make bowls. Its fruit is edible and a rich source of vitamin C and can be fermented to make marula beer or distilled into a liquor. Its barks and leaves are also used for medicine. It is also used for browsing and fuelwood.

This species has been previously assessed as Least Concern in Cameroon and Burkina Faso (Onana 2011, Schmidt et al. 2017) and Threatened in Mayotte (National Red List 2015). It is highly valued by local communities and has been protected from felling by traditional law in parts of southern Africa (SANBI 2021). It is listed as a protected tree under the National Forests Act of 1988 of South Africa.